Contestants

Willie Cornish, Career Professional

“The Butterfly Effect” by Willie Cornish
Poet: Emma Lazarus and Jean Toomer
Myah Paden, mezzo soprano and Kathryn Goodson, piano

Willie Cornish Jr. (b. 2000) is a horn player and composer from Fort Mill, SC. His catalog includes works for choir, voice and piano, organ, and various ensembles that include brass, woodwinds, percussion, and strings. Many of Willie’s compositions have been recognized locally and nationally. In 2021, his composition, “Maria,” was awarded 2nd place in the 2020-2021 Metropolitan Youth Orchestra Emerging Composers Competition. Outside of music, He is president of Furman’s Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Willie is a horn student under Prof. Anneka Zhuelke and studies composition under Jay Bocook and Mark Kilstofte.

 

Nikea Randolph, Graduate Student, University of Birmingham (UK)

“Rivers” by Nikea Randolph
Poet: Langston Hughes
Myah Paden, mezzo soprano and Kathryn Goodson, piano

Nikea Randolph is a composer based in Columbia, SC. Nikea earned her bachelor’s degree in Music from Columbia College, studying piano with Dr. Alan Weinberg and composition with Dr. Randolph Love. She later studied composition with Dr. Mandy Fang, Dr. John Fitz Rogers and Dr. David Kirkland Garner at the University of South Carolina while earning her masters in music composition. In 2019, Nikea was a participant in the LunART Festival Emerging Composers Educational program. Since then, she has taken on quite a few projects including her new musical titled There’s Always Love that was premiered virtually during the 2020 SheLA Arts Summer Theater Festival. Nikea is currently working on a PhD in ethnomusicology from the University of Birmingham in the Uk, and continues to find ways to learn, grow, and expand her horizons as a composer.

 

Ronald Walton, Graduate Student, University of the District of Columbia

“See Your Equal” by Ronald Walton
Poet: Jarrod Lee
Myah Paden, mezzo soprano and Kathryn Goodson, piano

Based in Washington, DC Ronald Art Walton III, or “Trey” has been performing and composing music since the age of twelve years old. Ronald is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, and conductor whose works have been showcased on stages and in churches on the east coast. Walton has written music in a wide variety of genres: chamber, orchestral, vocal, opera, and jazz. He recently completed both libretto and music for the opera “Dear Louie”. His versatile skills make him a sought-after musician in the DMV. He has served several churches as a music director or organist. Ronald is also a graduate of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in tuba performance. He currently attends the University of The District of Columbia as a piano performance major. And serves as organist for the Mount Zion United Methodist Church better known as the very first black church of DC! In 2022 Jarrod Lee and Ronald Walton’s opera “Voices of Zion” will debut at the ARC theater produced and commissioned by the Alliance of New Music Theatre company. Ronald was appointed to be the jazz ensemble music director for the Coalition of African American Performers of the arts (CAAPA), where he promotes jazz education and music to young people.

Ella Vaughn, soprano, Walnut Hills High School

Spiritual: “Oh what a beautiful city” by Edward Boatner
Art Song: “Night” by Florence Price

Ella Mbali Vaughn is 17 years old and a junior at Walnut Hills High School. She began her singing journey in 4th grade thanks to serendipity or tragedy depending on how you look at it. At age 9, Ella badly broke her wrist in a unicycle accident at circus camp (yes, seriously!) which prevented her from piano and guitar lessons for close to a year, so she started voice lessons as a way to remain in music.

Singing is a major part of Ella’s life—she regularly performs at her school in musical theatre productions and at community events, she attends vocal institutes/camps in the summer, she is in multiple choirs, participates in vocal competitions several times a year, and has been studying opera for three years in one of the few high school opera training programs in the country.

Sarah Wright, soprano, Hartland High School

Spiritual: “My Lord, What a Mornin” by arr. Harry T. Burleigh
Art Song: “Seasons from Child’s World” by Mable Bailey
Art Song: “Song To The Dark Virgin” by Florence Price

Sarah has been singing classical music since the 7th grade, and enjoyed participating in the University of Michigan’s MPulse Vocal Performance workshops in 2020 and 2021. She is a featured soloist at her church, which gives her much encouragement. Her passion is fueled by the singer’s unique ability to give a voice to the composer’s and lyricist’s sentiments. Sarah believes a truly successful singer is one who evokes emotions in the audience, for the ability to bring joy, love and beauty into someone’s day is the greatest gift of all.

Maia Aramburu, soprano, University of Michigan

Spiritual: “Come Down Angels” by Undine Smith Moore
Art Song: “Gué, gué, solingaie” by Camille Nickerson
Art Song: “Prayer” by Carlos Simon
Operatic Aria or Art Song: “Oh Bob, can’t I make your understand” from Highway 1, USA by William Grant Still

Cosas magazine praises Maia Aramburú as Peru’s young promise of lyrical singing and she’s considered as one of the seven new Peruvian voices of this new generation of artists. Ms. Aramburu has given sold-out concerts in Peru, sang in Peru’s National Choir Winter Season, and performed for the President on Independence Day. To begin her 2021-2022 season Maia will be making her debut as Susanna with the Vienna Summer Music Festival in their production of Le Nozze di Figaro. She’s recently performed in the University of Michigan Opera Theatre production of Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah as Mrs. Hayes as well as Papagena in Die Zauberflöte. She has toured with EXIGENCE, the Sphinx Organization’s Vocal Ensemble, performing in multiple venues and conferences across the US.

During her 2020-2021 season, the soprano made her debut as Countess Eleanor Craven in the University of Michigan Opera Theatre production of Jake Runestad’s Daughters of the Bloody Duke. She also made her debut as Dorothée in Massenet’s Cendrillon with the Miami Music Festival and as Novice in Puccini’s Suor Angelica with the Berlin Opera Academy, while also covering Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi. This past summer, Maia won First Prize in the Medici International Music Competition, Second Prize in the MAP International Competition, and was a Semi-finalist in the George Shirley Competition.

In the arts administration world, Maia is the CEO of her production company Aramburu Productions in Lima, Peru as well as her brand new non-profit organization ALMA TAKI, an organization that encourages and promotes the growth and development of education and culture in Peru while promoting Latinos and their music around the world.

Peruvian soprano Maia Aramburú is pursuing her Bachelor of Music (BM) in Vocal Performance with a minor in Performing Arts Management & Entrepreneurship (PAME) at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, & Dance under the tutelage of emeritus tenor George Shirley.

Anne-Marie Atanga, soprano, University of Michigan

Spiritual: “Give Me Jesus” by Moses Hogan
Art Song: “Minstrel Man” by Margaret Bonds
Art Song: “Dream Variation” by Margaret Bonds
Operatic Aria or Art Song: “I, Too” by Margaret Bonds

Anne-Marie Atanga is an 18-year-old soprano studying Voice Performance and Neuroscience at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor. Her involvement in the arts started at the Flint School of Performing Arts (FSPA) with ballet and piano lessons at age 6 and voice lessons at age 10. She has performed for local community events and organizations like the Links and the Genesee County Bar Association, benefit concerts at Hurley Medical Center, the University of Michigan Flint, the Flint Farmer’s Market, and has played a few pre-shows for the Flint Symphony Orchestra at the Whiting Auditorium. Anne-Marie was a ballerina with the Flint Youth Ballet and danced in the Flint Symphony Orchestra’s Production of the Nutcracker for 6 years in a row. She has won many merit scholarships for piano, voice, and dance through the Flint School of Performing Arts and St. Cecilia Society. Anne-Marie was the second runner up for the 2018 FSPA Concerto Competition and the winner of the 2020 FSPA Concerto Competition. Through the University of Michigan, Anne-Marie has performed in the ensemble for Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore and will play a featured role in Adolphus Hailstork’s We Rise for Freedom in the Winter 2022 Term.

 

Rebecca Clark, soprano, University of Michigan

Spiritual: “Peter Go Ring Dem Bells from Cantata” by John Carter
Art Song: “Minstrel Man” by Margaret Bonds
Art Song: “I, Too” by Margaret Bonds
Operatic Aria or Art Song: “Deep River” by H.T. Burleigh

Winner of the International Vanguard Young Artist Vocal Competition, University of Michigan sophomore, Rebecca Clark, made her Carnegie Hall debut in 2018. She has given numerous solo recitals and also plays the harp, piano, and violin. She is majoring in Vocal Performance, currently studying with Stanford Olsen. She feels passionately that music has great power to unify and uplift, and hopes to bring beautiful music to as many people as possible. Some of her accolades include:
2021:
* Chorus and featured dancer University of Michigan Gilbert and Sullivan Society “H.M.S. Pinafore 2021”
* Soloist Zelenka “Magnificat in C Maj” with University of Michigan Orpheus Singers and chamber orchestra
2019: 
* Recipient of Simsbury Light Opera Company’s Chorus Tray Award for the “Patience”
* 2nd place The American Prize National Opera Competition for high school women
2018:
* Finalist Hal Leonard National Vocal Competition Art Song
* Semi Finalist Hal Leonard National Vocal Competition Music Theatre
* 3rd place Musical Club of Hartford Vocal Competition
* Finalist Danbury Orchestra Competition

Seth-Emmanuel Clarke, bass-baritone, Southern Methodist University

Spiritual: “Crucifixion” by Hall Johnson
Art Song: “Song to the Dark Virgin” by Florence Price
Art Song: “Ngiyamazi UZibhebhu” by Princess Magogo
Operatic Aria or Art Song: “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” by Howard Swanson

A graduate of Mansfield Summit High School, I received a BA in Voice Performance from SMU in May of 2021 and entered the MM program in Voice Performance in fall of 2021. New to the world of classical music, I won First Place in the Senior Men’s Classical Division of the NATS Regional Competition and placed second as a National Finalist. In the fall of 2021, I won Second Place in the Graduate Men’s Division of NATS and First Place in the Hall Johnson Spirituals Competition and will continue to the National Finals this Summer in Chicago. I am currently working with The Dallas Opera as a member of their Outreach program where I am playing the role of Dulcamara in their productions of The Elixir of Love.

 

Dominique Cooper, mezzo-soprano, Eastern Michigan University

Spiritual: “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child” by H.T. Burleigh
Art Song: “For You There is No Song” by H. Leslie Adams
Art Song: “Minstrel Man” by Margaret Bonds
Operatic Aria or Art Song: “Genius Child” by Robert Owens

Dominique Cooper is a vibrant and creative, Vocal Performance major at Eastern Michigan University. While pursuing her Bachelor of Music Arts degree, she has been involved in various performances such as “Speed Dating Tonight!”, “Goldilocks and the Three Singing Bears” and a few scenes from Mozart’s “Le Nozze di Figaro” for EMU’s Opera Workshop. She has also had the privilege of touring the west coast and singing Witness with the distinguished EMU choir. Dominique is the current winner of the Barry Manilow Competition and hopes to compete in more competitions to develop a higher level of artistry and to mold herself as a performer.

 

Lauren Fleming, soprano, University of Michigan

Spiritual: “Were You There” by H.T. Burleigh
Art Song: “Velvet Shoes” by Dolores White
Art Song: “The Secret” by Robert Owens
Operatic Aria or Art Song: “On Consciousness Streams” by Jacqueline Hairston

Before coming to the University of Michigan, I studied voice through middle and high school. I was a Michigan Youth Arts Festival Finalist (2018, 2019), a Verdi Opera Theater of Michigan High School Finalist (2019), and a Grand Traverse Musicale Schilling Award Winner (2019). I also attended the Washington National Opera Institute (2019), and The Oberlin Vocal Academy (2018). Since starting at University of Michigan in 2020, I was the First Place Winner of the NATS Great Lakes Region (2021, 2022), I performed in UM opera, Cendrillon in the chorus, and studio opera, Acis and Galatea as Galatea. This summer I plan to attend Songfest at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

 

Aldo Pando Girard, baritone, University of Michigan

Spiritual: “It’s Me, O Lord” by Betty Jackson King
Art Song: “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” by Margaret Bonds
Art Song: “Sence You Went Away” by H. Leslie Adams
Operatic Aria or Art Song: “A Dream Wasted” by William Grant Still

Aldo Pando Girard is a baritone in their senior year at the University of Michigan studying vocal performance and civil engineering. They were born and raised in Ann Arbor and owe much of their early music and singing education to the Boychoir of Ann Arbor and the public school system. They are a recipient of the John Knapp Undergraduate award from the UofM Friends of Opera. Most recently they played Bob in UofM’s production of Highway One.

 

Elizabeth Hanje, soprano, Oberlin Conservatory

Spiritual: “Deep River” by Moses Hogan
Art Song: “Minstrel Man” by Margaret Bonds
Art Song: “Night” by Florence Price
Operatic Aria or Art Song: “Love let the wind cry” by Undine Moore

Elizabeth Hanje is a Tanzanian-American soprano from Birmingham, Alabama. She is a second year at Oberlin Conservatory studying under the direction of Salvatore Champagne. Hanje is the 2021 recipient of the Richard Miller Award for Fine Singing, a 2021 YoungArts Winner and the Tennessean cohort winner of the Schmidt Vocal competition in 2020. Elizabeth has sung in master classes for Christine Georke, Denyce Graves and Harolyn Blackwell. Elizabeth will be making her professional debut with Oberlin and Opera Columbus in May of 2022 in the new work: Puppy Episode.

 

Karen Jane Ludwig, soprano, University of Michigan

Spiritual: “Sometimes I feel like a Motherless Child” by H.T. Burleigh
Art Song: “I, Too” by Margaret Bonds
Art Song: “Dream Variation” Margaret Bonds
Operatic Aria or Art Song: “Songs to the Dark Virgin” by Florence Price

Karen Jane Ludwig (she/her/hers) a twenty-year-old dreaming BIG, beyond eager and vibrant about her future, is a junior at the University of Michigan, where she studies voice performance with Stanford Olsen. Karen is working towards a multidisciplinary degree in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance, which allows Karen the freedom to concentrate in composition and performing arts technology, as well as minor in arts administration and entrepreneurship. Not only does Karen study classical voice since age fifteen, she is living each day to the fullest, soaking in every ounce of knowledge she can. Creation is life, and to Karen, the freedom to believe, feel, and create without restraint is critical. This year, Karen’s been composing graphic scores, which are paintings that one can sing/play too. There’s a world of pure imagination in her brain, and while creating, Karen feels the most at peace and present with the world at large.

 

Dalia Marquez, mezzo-soprano, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Spiritual: “I Don’t Feel No-Ways Tired” by H.T. Burleigh
Art Song: “Soliloquy” by John W. Work
Art Song: “Minstrel Man” by Margaret Bonds
Operatic Aria or Art Song: “Song to the Dark Virgin” by Florence Price

I am a sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I am double majoring in psychology and music with a concentration in vocal performance. Although my first voice lesson ever was my freshman year of college, I have been in choirs and a cappella groups since middle school and have had a passion for singing and music all my life.

 

Tyrique McNeal, bass-baritone, Northern Illinois University

Spiritual: “Dont Feel No-Ways Tired” by Jacqueline Hairston
Art Song: “For You There is No Song” by H. Leslie Adams
Art Song: “Compensation” by Charles Lloyd Jr.
Operatic Aria or Art Song: “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” by Howard Swanson

A Native of Joliet Illinois, Tyrique recently completed his BM at Northern Illinois University. During that time he performed the roles of Figaro and Count Almaviva in Le Nozze Di Figaro the and Luka in William The Bear, Dandini in La Cenerentola, Nick Shadow from The Rake’s Progress and Papageno in The Magic Flute. Tyrique’s has also sung in the chorus a number of operas at NIU including Orfeu Ed Euridice, La Traviata, Pirates of Penzance and Die Entführung aus dem Serail. Tyrique has experience in choral music as well, also has as Faure Requiem, Verdi Requiem, Bach’s B Minor Mass, Beethoven’s Mass in C. Tyrique also joined the Adrian Dunn Singers for a premiere of The Seven Last Words of the Unarmed by Joel Thompson. Tyrique now attends the University of Michigan where he has will perform the role of Sarastro in Die Zauberflöte

 

Phoenix Miranda, soprano, Michigan State University

Spiritual: “A City Called Heaven” by Hall Johnson
Art Song: “Song to the Dark Virgin” by Florence Price
Art Song: “I Grew A Rose” by Florence Price
Operatic Aria or Art Song: “Tis Sunset in the Garden” by William Grant Still

Phoenix Miranda is a Prince George’s County, Maryland native pursuing her undergraduate degree in Voice Performance with a minor in Entrepreneurship at Michigan State University (MSU). She is a junior who made her operatic debut as the Teacup and Dragonfly in the Ravel’s L’Enfant et les Sortileges section of MSU Opera Theatre’s “Three From the Hearth: A Domestic Dramedy” production. Miranda also played the role of Valencienne in Franz Lehár’s Dutiful Wife duet at the The John F. Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage. Miranda will play the role of Cissie Woodger in MSU Opera Theater’s Production of Albert Herring by Benjamin Britten, premiering March 2022.

 

Jack Morin, bass-baritone, University of Michigan

Spiritual: “My Good Lord Done Been Here” by Hall Johnson
Art Song: “Thou Art Risen My Beloved” by Samuel Coleridge Taylor
Art Song: “Dawn’s Awakening” by Florence Price
Operatic Aria or Art Song: “A Complaint” by Robert Owens

Jack Morin is sophomore undergraduate vocal performance and choral education major in the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance at the University of Michigan. He is originally from Canton, Michigan. He has spent time in the last year researching, cataloguing, and studying Korean and African Art Song, with a focus in IPA and repertoire accessibility, respectively. Jack recently performed a solo recital of three full cycles of art song.

 

Pelagia Pamel, mezzo-soprano, University of Michigan

Spiritual: “Were You There?” by Moses Hogan
Art Song: “Hold Fast to Dreams” by Florence Price
Art Song: “The Jungle Flower” by H.T. Burleigh
Operatic Aria or Art Song: “Once a Little Child” by William Grant Still

Pelagia Pamel is a sophomore at the University of Michigan pursuing a dual degree in Voice Performance and International Studies. She studies under Daniel Washington and has been awarded the Edward Counihan Memorial Scholarship by U-M SMTD. Pelagia enjoyed performing “Habanera” from Carmen and “O mio babbino caro” from Gianni Schicchi for the 2021-2022 U-M Voice Department Recital season.

Pelagia has sung with the U-M Chamber Choir since she began her studies at U-M, which has premiered various works and recorded a televised national broadcast of Considering Matthew Shepard. Along with singing in the choir, Pelagia was a featured soloist singing “Meet Me Here” and sang in the choreographed trio for “Keep it Away From Me.” This spring, Pelagia is looking forward to performing Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 and Hannah Lash’s In Hopes of Finding the Sun with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

Pelagia made her opera debut last fall as Sprite A1 (“Thread”)/Chorus in U-M’s production of Cendrillon and as Mrs. Ott in the U-M Upper-Level Chamber Opera’s production of Susannah. In her opera workshop scenes showcase performance last fall, Pelagia performed Act II Scene III as Romeo from I Capuleti e i Montecchi. At the end of this semester, she will be performing as Carmen in the “Card Trio” from Carmen and as Margared in “Margared, o ma soeur” from Le Roi d’Ys as part of her upper-level opera workshop class specializing in Verismo/Late Romantic music.

This summer, Pelagia will be making her European opera debut in Austria as Mars in the premiere of Pluto (while covering Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro and Zerlina in Don Giovanni) with Vienna Summer Music Festival and in Germany as Prince Orlofsky in Die Fledermaus with Berlin Opera Academy. She was scholarship-receiving finalist in VSMF’s Voice Competition at Opera America in NYC and was honored with the Lily Niblock Memorial Scholarship from BOA.

Pelagia was a GSVC semi-finalist in 2021 and is thrilled to be competing again!

 

Alexa Rahman, soprano, Ithaca College

Spiritual: “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child” by H.T. Burleigh
Art Song: “Hold Fast To Dreams” by Florence Price
Art Song: “To a Brown Girl Dead” by Margaret Bonds
Operatic Aria or Art Song: “Flying” by H. Leslie Adams

Soprano Alexa Rahman is a music student at Ithaca College pursuing a Bachelor’s of Music degree in Voice with an outside field in Civil Rights Studies. She has many mentors within the school, including her voice teacher Martha Guth, as well as Baruch Whitehead and Sidney Outlaw.

As a multiracial and Black woman, diversity plays a role in all aspects of Alexa’s life. In music alone, Alexa sings many genres such as opera, musical theatre, jazz, and R&B, and also plays the violin. She is extremely passionate about performing music by Black composers and looks up to many of the famous Black opera singers, such as Jessye Norman, Audra McDonald, and Angel Blue. She often performs at weddings and events for the BIPOC community. Aside from music, Alexa also competes in horse shows on a national level, riding her morgan horses huntseat and saddleseat. She also is studying law and the African Diaspora, in hopes of gaining the knowledge to be the best activist she can be. Alexa is also a dancer and treasurer of the Ithaca College’s Afro-Caribbean dance team, Island Fusion.

Alexa’s accomplishments in music include being a participant in the 2018 and 2019 NYSSMA All-state and winning the Burnt Hill’s Oratorio Society Scholarship winner in 2020. She also will play the role of Rizzo in the Ithaca College Theatre Lab’s upcoming production of Grease. Outside of music, Alexa’s accomplishments include winning many Saddle Horse Report People’s Choice Awards, and winning the title of World Champion seven times with her two horses EKL Asset’s Vision and Walnut Ridge’s Solid Gold. Alexa hopes to combine all of her diverse passions in some way in the future.

 

Napoleon Stone, baritone, University of Michigan

Operatic Aria: “God is a God” by Jacqueline Hairston
Art Song: “A Complaint” by Robert Owens
Art Song: “Ethopia Saluting the Colors” by H.T. Burleigh
Operatic Aria or Art Song: Bob’s 1st Aria “You know how it is Mary” by William Grant Still

Napoleon Stone is a current student at University of Michigan for a masters in vocal performance. Napoleon earned a bachelors in vocal performance from Grand Valley State University. Napoleon has had musical theatre roles: Anthony (Working), Jesus (Godspell), Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf (Into the Woods). Napoleon also has had operatic roles and appearances: Sroufe’s Man #1 (Rise for Freedom), Le fauteuil (L’enfant et les sortileges) Featured Artist (Masquerade-Grand Valley State University). Napoleon is very excited for this opportunity to share music with you.

 

Nyla Thomas, soprano, Mississippi State University

Spiritual: “Steal Away” by H.T. Burleigh
Art Song: “Tears” by B.E. Boykin
Art Song: “Young Love in Spring” by Margaret Bonds
Operatic Aria or Art Song: “Give Me No Body without Your Soul” by William Grant Still

Nyla Thomas is a rising senior that is studying Music Education at Mississippi State University (MSU). She has studied voice under Dr. Jeanette Fontaine during her time at MSU. Nyla started her journey as a musician at her church, Christ Communion Temple COGIC, at a young age. At MSU, she has performed and was a soloist with MSU’s choral ensembles, MSU Opera Workshop, Black Voices, gospel group Vessels of Worship (V.O.W.), and First Presbyterian Church of Columbus Loft Choir. During her time at MSU, she was awarded “Rookie of the Year” in the Music Department and MSU Choral Activities for her leadership skills and academic performance. Nyla was also a finalist at the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) in Natchitoches, Louisiana. During the summer of 2021, she participated in Opera Viva!, a week-long study-abroad focused on cultivating young artists in opera. While at Opera Viva!, she competed in the organization’s first Italian Opera Aria Competition and placed 2nd in the Collegiate Division. With this foundation of experience and versatility, she is aspiring to be an international Opera singer, and plans to attend graduate school to study Vocal/Opera Performance.

Colleen Beucher, soprano, University of Michigan

Spiritual: “My Soul’s been Anchored in the Lord” by Florence Price
Art Song: “The Complaint” by Ignatius Sancho
Art Song by a woman composer: “Gardé Pití Mulet Là” by Maud Cuney Hare
Contemporary Art Song: “Decisions” by Adolphus Hailstork
Operatic Aria: “Golden Days” by William Grant Still

Colleen Cole Beucher, soprano, is currently pursuing her DMA in Vocal Performance at the University of Michigan where she studies with Dr. Louise Toppin. This is her first time competing in the George Shirley Competition! In her time at U of M, Colleen has performed the roles of Cendrillon in Massenet’s Cendrillon, Euridice in Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice, and Rosalinde in Die Fledermaus. In 2019, Colleen was a semi-finalist in the national Federation of Music Clubs Young Artist Competition. Prior to that, she won first place in the Professional Voice division of the Coeur d’Alene National Young Artists Competition. In 2017, Colleen made her debut with Asheville Lyric Opera as Giannetta in their production of L’Elisir d’Amore. She also participated as a Young Artist with Asheville Lyric Opera, performing in several scenes concerts as Norma from Norma, Donna Anna from Don Giovanni, Manon Lescaut from Manon Lescaut, Rosalina from Die Fledermaus, and Mercedes from Carmen. Colleen graduated with her MM from the University of California Santa Barbara in 2014 and her BM from Indiana University in 2012.

Tyrese Byrd, tenor, University of Michigan

Spiritual: “Rondo from Cantata” by John Carter
Art Song: “Elëanore” by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
Art Song by a woman composer: “Love, Let the Wind Cry” by Undine Smith Moore
Contemporary Art Song: “I Want to Die While You Love Me” by Rosephanye Powell
Operatic Aria: “Hear me, Hear my Plea!” from The Pillar by William Grant Still

Tyrese Byrd, tenor, is a native of Greenville, South Carolina known for his musicianship and expressive tone. His 2021-2022 season brings several company debuts. He made his debut with Michigan Opera Theatre singing the role of Don Basilio in Ragnar Kjartansson’s Bliss. He is currently a studio artist at Madison Opera where he performed Normanno and and covered Edgardo in Lucia di Lammermoor. He will also cover Georg in She Loves Me and sing Mercury in Orpheus in the Underworld. With Chicago-based organization Hearing in Color, Tyrese sang the role of Jesse in the world premiere performance of Undying Love, a one-act opera by Steve Wallace premiered with D-Composed, an all-Black ensemble. Tyrese also made his debut with the Toledo Symphony in December as the tenor soloist in Messiah.

While managing this busy season, Tyrese is also a graduate student at the University of Michigan, studying with Dr. Louise Toppin. There he has performed Miles in Missy Mazzoli’s Proving Up and Herr Vogelsang in Der Schauspieldirektor, and he was a featured soloist in Craig Hella Johnson’s Considering Matthew Shepard and Bach Cantatas 131 and 61.

Tyrese is also passionate about uplifting the music of Black composers who are often excluded from the Western canon. He is currently working with a research team called Singing Justice at the University of Michigan, who endeavor to infiltrate higher education and the concert stage using Black Song.

Tyrese completed his undergrad studies at Furman University where he studied with Dr. Grant Knox, where he sang Le Prince Charmant in Massenet’s Cendrillon, Arpad in She Loves Me, and the title role in Bastien und Bastienne. He is an accomplished concert soloist, with repertoire including in Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, Magnificat, several other sacred and secular cantatas, Mozart’s Requiem, Coronation Mass in C, and Mendelssohn’s Elijah.

Victoria Ellington, soprano, University of Cincinnati College- Conservatory of Music

Spiritual: “This little light of mine” by Hale Smith
Art Song: “Hold Fast To Dreams” by Florence Price
Art Song by a woman composer: “Sympathy” by Florence Price
Contemporary Art Song:
Operatic Aria: “Give Me No Body Without Your Soul” from Blue Steele by William Grant Still

Soprano Victoria Ellington is a current DMA student studying with Elliot Madore. She received her Master’s of Music from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) where she studied with Professor William McGraw. At CCM, she sang the role of Léontine in L’ amant Anonyme, Esmeralda in The Bartered Bride and L’Eternità in La Calisto. She was also able to workshop several new operas including Bulrusher, Blind Injustice and Awakenings with the Opera Fusion: New Works program, a joint collaboration between Cincinnati Opera and CCM Opera. In past seasons she has performed at Cincinnati Opera. In collaboration with Cleveland Opera Theater’s New Opera Initiative, Victoria performed the role of Rachel in the Midwest premier of Nkeiru Okoye’s Harriet Tubman: When I Crossed the Line to Freedom. Victoria earned her B.M in Voice Performance, from Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music. Rachel in Harriet Tubman: La Feé in Massenet’s Cendrillon. Mammy/Janet in Dessa Rose and Lady in Blue in for colored girls. Victoria was the 2017 First Prize winner in the George Shirley Vocal Competition

Ashli Hunter, soprano, Wayne State University

Spiritual: “Deep River” by Moses Hogan
Art Song: “Sweet Baby Butterfly” by Samuel Coleridge Taylor
Art Song by a woman composer: “Dream Variations” by Margaret Bonds
Contemporary Art Song: “For You There Is No Song” by H. Leslie Adams
Operatic Aria: “Give Me No Body Without Your Soul” by William Grant Still

Ashli E. Hunter is a Detroit-born soprano with a deep love of opera. She began her classical music education at Bowling Green State University, where her choral activities included singing in the Women’s Chorus, the Ethnomusicology group, and the A Cappella Choir.

Professor Myra Merritt nominated Ashli for the Elma Zelman Musician Award her junior year of college, which helped support her education at BGSU. As Hunter’s growth continued, she entered the Dr. Marjorie Conrad Art Song Competition in 2016 and was one of the five finalists. Turning her attention to opera theatre, she then participated in Kurt Weill’s Street Scene (2015) and Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Gondoliers (2016). She also sang in the Toledo Opera’s 2016 production of Porgy and Bess and Romeo and Juliet.
Currently, Ashli is a Master’s Candidate at Wayne State University studying under the expertise of Professor Frances Brockington. Ms. Hunter is honored to be the recipient of the Evangeline Dumesnil Scholarship at Wayne State University. She has sung in a production of John Biggs’s, Earnest Worthing (2019) as Gwendolen Fairfax, Dorine in Tartuffe (2021), and Susanna in The Marriage of Figaro (2022). She also is the Soprano Section Leader of the Metropolitan United Methodist Church, and is a contracted performer for Catholic Church of St. Moses the Black.

 

Denique Isaac, soprano, Indiana University

Spiritual: “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hand” by Margaret Bonds
Art Song: “Havana Dreams” by Robert Owens
Art Song by a woman composer: “I Want to Die While You Love Me” by Undine Smith Moore
Contemporary Art Song: “Sence You Went Away” by H. Leslie Adams
Operatic Aria: “Give Me Nobody without Your Soul” by William Grant Still

Denique Isaac, soprano, is currently based in her hometown of Baltimore, Maryland where she now studies under the tutelage of Elizabeth Daniels. Denique has performed various operatic scenes and roles, delving her deeper into her love of the genre. Denique has also had the pleasure to sing in numerous vocal ensembles throughout the United States, Western Europe, South Africa and Australia. During her time at IU Opera Theater, she performed in Puccini’s double bill, Suor Angelica as La sorella infermiera and Gianni Schicchi as La Ciesca. She performed the role of Anna Maurrant from Kurt Weill’s opera, Street Scene with Young Artist of America (YAA). Last year, Denique had the privilege of working with Baltimore Concert Opera, covering the role of Mrs. Gobineau in The Medium. This year, Denique received an Inaugural Voice Fellowship with YAA and a Vocal Fellowship with The Thirteen. She was recently awarded the Laury Christy Encouragement Award from the South Carolina District of The Metropolitan Opera’s Laffont Competition. Denique had her debut on the Annapolis Opera stage in Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods as Rapunzel. This summer, Denique will be with Des Moines Metro Opera in their Apprentice Artist Program, preparing and covering the role of Bess, in Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess.

 

Benjamin Isyk, tenor, University of Michigan

Spiritual: “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” by Moses Hogan
Art Song: “Havana Dreams” Robert Owens
Art Song: “Your Lips are Wine” by H.T. Burleigh
Contemporary Art Song: “Thou Alone Canst Inspire” by Jacqueline Hairston
Operatic Aria: Ingemisco, from Requiem by Josê Maurícío Nuñes García

I am the fourth child in a family of eight kids, with an identical twin. I was homeschooled my whole life without being afforded music lessons, but that did not stop me from picking up the accordion and messing around on the piano at church. At the age of nineteen years old I took my first voice lesson, it was then that I realized my obsession with Pavarotti and the three tenors could take shape through my own art and with my own voice. It took time to work on myself and figure out how to make my voice the study of my young life, but I managed to get into community college and into the University of Michigan; without the support of my parents. I am gratefully studying at U-M with Dr. Toppin on a full-tuition, four-year scholarship. I am currently a Junior, even though it is only my second year at U-M because of community college credits and goal focused work on my rep list. I hope to continue my education and gain a masters degree, after my bachelors. When I do gain my bachelors, I will be the first child in my family to earn such a degree from a four-year university (I am also a first-generation student.) I believe my voice is a gift from God to enrich the lives of others and to make this human experience more enjoyable.

 

Andrea Jones, soprano, Roosevelt University: Chicago College of Performing Arts

Spiritual: “Guide My Feet” by Jacqueline Hairston
Art Song: “You lay so still in the Sunshine” by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
Art Song by a woman composer: “Love Let the Wind Cry…How I Adore Thee” by Undine Smith-Moore
Contemporary Art Song: “Preach the Word: Open the Gates” by Adolphus Hailstork
Opera Aria: “Ouanga: Defilée’s Aria” by Clarence Cameron-White

Andreá has been enmeshed with singing since her early childhood. Native of Chicago and surrounding areas, she’s been studying voice for nine years. She holds her degree in Music and Spanish from Fisk University 16’ and over the years she participated in several musical groups. From 2012-2019, Andreá has served as a volunteer Assistant Director of Fisk University Choir. In 2016, she was appointed as the Worship Leader for Fisk Memorial Chapel and retained the title for 3 years. Andreá continues to refine her vocal career with new heights in pursuing her Master’s degree.

Andreá began graduate studies in 2018 with a southern institution where she was awarded a Full Graduate Assistantship. At this institution, Andreá has performed in several master classes. This Includes being chosen to participate in a culminating concert with world renown collaborative pianist, Warren Jones. She has participated in two opera productions: The Genius of Mozart scenes from works of Mozart as Vitellia from La Clemenza di Tito and her final performance, Spring 2019, was the role of Edith in the production of Pirates of Penzance.

In September of 2019, Andreá was invited to premiere an excerpt of Clarence Camron-White’s opera at the Videmus conference at the University of Michigan under Dr. Louise Toppin. The purpose of this conference was to expose African American composers of operas. That same year she won her first Aria and Concerto competition. Andreá competed amongst her cohort and peers. She was the only vocalist in the listed three winners.

Andreá is actively working on obtaining her Masters Degree in Vocal Performance. She studies voice at the Chicago Conservatory of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. Andreá plans to actively pursue all the opportunities needed to further her vocal and academic career.

 

Jeannette Lee, mezzo soprano, Boston University

Spiritual: “Go On Brother” by Nathaniel Dett
Art Song: “Bewilderment” Florence Price
Art Song by a woman composer: “I Want to Die While You Love Me” by Undine Smith Moore
Contemporary Art Song: “For You There is No Song” by H. Leslie Adams
Operatic Aria: “Cassandra’s Lullaby” by Mark Fax

Described to have “a lovely mezzo voice with lots of color, warmth and vibrancy,” Hong Kong mezzo soprano Jeannette Lee is a sought-after versatile performer who received an honorable mention at the semifinals of the 2019 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Pendine Voice of the Future and the runner-up in the 2021 NATS Artist Award (New England Region).

She recently appeared as a cover for Reginald Mobley in Handel’s Dixit Dominus with Noah Horn and the alto soloist in Bach’s BWV 130 with Alejandro Hernandez-Valdez. Other solo appearances of note include Britten’s Cantata Academica with Vivian Ip, Monteverdi’s Marienvespers with Wolfgang Katschner and The Lautten Compagney. She also sang in the Asian premiere of Jacobsen’s For Sixty Cents with Cong Quartet.

Equally passionate about art songs, she participated in University of Michigan’s Singing Down the Barriers to learn more about African-American song literature, and actively participated in song projects with Boston Opera Collaborative and Cantata Singers Chamber Series (directed by Allison Voth).

Jeannette is engaged to premiere Guerilla Opera’s newly commissioned chamber opera HER:alive/un/dead by Singaporean composer Emily Koh in the summer of 2022 and in Boston Opera Collaborative’s Opera Bites production as Becca in Beth Ratay’s In the House of Serenity in 2023.

 

Brea Marshall, soprano, Indiana University

Spiritual: “My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord” by Florence Price
Art Song: “Unmindful of the Roses” by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
Art Song by a woman composer: “If I Could Give You All I Have” by Lena J. McLin
Contemporary Art Song: “Sounds Like Pearls” by B.E. Boykin
Operatic Aria: “Give Me No Body Without Your Soul” by William Grant Still

Brea Renetta Marshall, soprano is currently pursuing a master’s degree in music at Indiana University in Bloomington, IN where she is a student of Carol Vaness. Roles performed include Fraarte in Handel’s Radamisto at The Miami Music Festival in 2018, Girlfriend #2 in the world premiere opera Blue, by Jeanine Tesori and Tazewell Thompson at The Glimmerglass Festival in 2019, and Violetta in La Traviata at Indiana University Opera Theater in 2020. In the summer of 2020, Marshall was slated to reprise her role as Girlfriend #2 in Blue. What would have been her Lincoln Center debut was understandably cancelled due to COVID-19. Marshall was named the 3rd Place Grand Finalist in the 2017 Classical Singer’s Vocal Competition in Chicago, IL, was a participant in Marilyn Horne’s The Song Continues masterclass series at Carnegie Hall in 2018, and is also an alumnus of the Houston Grand Opera Young Artists Vocal Academy.

 

Elary Mede, soprano, Michigan State University

Spiritual: “Ride on, King Jesus” by Hall Johnson
Art Song: “This the Island of Gardens” by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
Art Song by a woman composer: “I, too” by Margaret Bonds
Contemporary Art Song: “My Love” by Lena McLin
Operatic Aria: “‘Tis Sunset in the Garden” by William Grant Still

Elary Mede is a soprano currently working to earn her Master’s in Vocal Performance at Michigan State University. Her love of singing started at a young age while singing in her church and school choir which inspired her to pursue this rewarding career path. While earning her Bachelor’s in Vocal Performance at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Elary had the opportunity to perform several roles, including: Barbarina in Figaro! Figaro ! Figaro !, Johanna in Sweeney Todd, and Donna Anna in Don Giovanni. Recently, Elary has also received first place awards within her category while competing at both district and regional level competitions through the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS). She has also won the Butler Symphony Collegiate Concerto Competition and performed the winning selections with the symphony in concert. Recently, Elary received the Encouragement Award from the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition at the Michigan District. Currently, Elary is excited to be growing as a professional artist as she continues her education at MSU.

 

Amber Merritt, soprano, University of Michigan

Spiritual: “City Called Heaven” by Hall Johnson
Art Song: “The Complaint” by Ignatius Sancho
Art Song by a woman composer: “Young Love in Spring” by Margaret Bonds
Contemporary Art Song: “A Winter Twilight” by Rosephanye Powell
Operatic Aria: “Oberlin Farewell” by William Banfield

Amber Cierra Merritt is a first-year Specialist student at the University of Michigan where she studies with Dr. Louise Toppin. During her time at Michigan, Merritt starred as Edmonia in the workshop of the opera Edmonia by William Banfield and as the Sparrow in Nkeiru Okoye’s Bre’r Rabbit and the Tar Baby. Merritt also starred as Frau Herz in Mozart’s Der Schauspieldirektor. Merritt placed first in the Great Lakes Region’s National Student Auditions in the Advanced Category and first in the regional and national level in the Hall Johnson Spirituals category in 2020. This season, Merritt has starred in two PBS specials with the American Pops Orchestra entitled “One Voice: American Roots” and “United in Song: Celebration of American Roots”.

Merritt received her Master of Music from the University of Michigan and her Bachelor of Music from the University of Maryland College Park. During her time at the University of Maryland, she was a member of the UMD Chamber Singers, who frequently collaborated with the National Symphony Orchestra and Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Merritt was a soloist for Donizetti’s Ave Maria which was performed with University of Maryland Symphony Orchestra. She was also featured as a soloist in the UMD Bach Cantata Series performance of Cantata 23 Du wahrer Gott und Davids Sohn and the University of Maryland’s 2019 School of Music Commencement Ceremony. Merritt is also an esteemed alumna of Baltimore School for the Arts.

 

Tshilidzi Ndou, baritone, Southern Methodist University

Spiritual: “Ride on, King Jesus” by Hall Johnson
Art Song: “Genius Child” by Robert Owens
Art Song by a woman composer: “Songs to the Dark Virgin” by Florence Price
Contemporary Art Song: “Wamuhle Mzantsi” by Sibusiso Njeza
Operatic Aria: “A Dream Wasted” by William Grant Still

Tshilidzi Ndou, Baritone holds a B.A, Music Degree, Diploma in Music from North West University, South Africa and a Performers Diploma in Voice from Southern Methodist University, where he is currently pursuing his Master of Music in Vocal Performance Degree under the tutelage of Professor Barbara Hill-Moore. Tshilidzi has Performed roles including Count Almaviva, in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro, NWU 2016; Mr Webb, in Ned Rorem’s Our Town, SMU 2019; Luther Billis, in Rodgers and Hammersteines’ South Pacific, SMU-in-South-Africa 2019; Guglielmo, in Mozart’s Cosi fan Tutte, SMU 2020; Mayor in Georges Bizet’s Doctor Miracle, The Dallas Opera Education Outreach 2020/21; Belcore, in Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’Amore, The Dallas Opera Education Outreach 2021/2022; and John Proctor, in The Crucible by Robert Ward, SMU 2022. Other performances include Mozart’s Requiem (baritone soloist), Pretoria 2017, and Free State Arts Festival 2017. Tshilidzi was named District Winner and Western region encouragement award winner, at the 2021 MONCA competition; first place district winner, at the Mary E. Singletary NVAC, 2021; first place at NATS National, 2020; second place and the Legacy Award winner at the NOA 2022 Carolyn Bailey Argento Vocal Competition.

 

Avuya Ngcaweni, Full Lyric Soprano, Southern Methodist University

Spiritual: “Give Me Jesus” by Moses Hogan
Art Song: “Heart” by Robert Owens
Art Song by a woman composer: “Love Let The Wind Cry” by Undine Smith Moore
Contemporary Art Song: “Ngenani” by Phelelani Mnomiya
Operatic Aria: “Give Me Nobody Without Your Soul” William Grant Still

Avuya Ngcaweni is a 25-year-old young lady from South Africa, Durban. She started singing Opera/Choral in High school (2010), her potential was discovered in 2011. Miss Ngcaweni then started entering school competitions as a soloist in 2013 where she got position 2 and from there she knew she wanted to pursue singing as a career. Avuya took a gap year in 2015 after she finished high school, she auditioned for Ubuntu The Opera and she was accepted, while in the middle of the production she entered Arts and Culture competition and she got position 1. After being part of an opera and having won a competition, she was more than convinced that this was her calling and she applied at University of KwaZulu Natal and was accepted which was in 2016. When she was doing her first year she got first place in the Italian First-Year Competition, soon after that she was selected as the only first year to perform with 6 other exiting students in a lunch hour concert hosted by KwaZulu Natal Philharmonic Orchestra. Avuya also got a major role in ‘Oklahoma’ musical which was a collaboration between University of KwaZulu Natal and Southern Methodist University. In 2017 She auditioned and became part of KZN Young performers which was held at the Playhouse in Durban. Following this performance was the opera production Cosi Fan Tutte where she played the role of Fiordiligi at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. After completing her Honors Degree, she applied for Masters and was accepted at Southern Methodist University. Miss Ngcaweni applied for the NATS competition in 2020 and got position 3. She won the audience price in the MIOpera competition in December. Recently she performed in a school opera production called the Crucible and she played the role of Ann Putnum. Miss Ngcaweni is now part of The Dallas Opera education program which started in August 2021. She is looking forward to entering more competitions and being on stage.

Sarah Rogers, soprano, Boston University Opera Institute

Spiritual: “Give Me Jesus” arr. by H.T. Burleigh
Art Song: “Minguillo” by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
Art Song by a woman composer: “Poème d’Automne” by Margaret Bonds
Contemporary Art Song: “Create in Me” by Adolphus Hailstork
Operatic Aria: “That Wild Fire” from Blake by H. Leslie Adams

Sarah Rogers is a Boston-based soprano, originally from South Florida. She is currently in her first year at the Boston University Opera Institute, in the studio of Penelope Bitzas. With the Opera Institute, she has performed as Harriet Beecher Stowe in Sankaram’s The Infinite Energy of Ada Lovelace, and Selena in Heggie’s If I Were You. She has also performed the role of the Countess Mozart’s in Le nozze di Figaro with the Utah Vocal Arts Academy. This spring, she will perform as the First Lady in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte with North Carolina Opera.

Ms. Rogers received her Master of Music in Voice Performance at Boston University, where she was one of eight winners of the Boston University at Carnegie Hall competition, and one of four winners of the Boston University Soloist Competition performing Alban Berg’s Sieben frühe Lieder with the BU Symphony Orchestra. She was also named a semi-finalist in the Orpheus Vocal Competition student category in 2021, and an Encouragement Award winner in 2021 and 2022 in the Florida district of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions.

Daisha Togawa, soprano, University of Northern Colorado

Spiritual: “Don’t Feel No-Ways Tired” by Jacqueline B. Hairston
Art Song: “Love Let The Wind Cry….. How I Adore Thee” by Undine S. Moore
Art Song by a woman composer: “I Want to Die while You Love Me” by Rosephanye Powell
Contemporary Art Song: “Long Goodbye” by Maria Thompson Corley
Operatic Aria: “‘Tis Sunset in the Garden” by William Grant Still

Emerging American soprano Daisha Togawa is quickly gaining attention on the competition circuit, receiving an Encouragement Award at the CO/WY Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, winning a Certificate of Merit at the Denver Lyric Opera Guild competition, and being named a finalist in the Opera Ithaca competition. Her favorite operatic roles include: Pamina in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, Mademoiselle Silberklang in Mozart’s The Impresario, Amy from Mark Adamo’s Little Women, and Ännchen in Carl Maria von Weber’s Der Freischütz.

Skilled in a variety of repertoire, Ms. Togawa’s musical theatre roles include Sleeping Beauty from Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods, Matron “Mama” Morton from Kander and Ebb’s Chicago and Marta from Sondheim’s Company. Ms. Togawa is a recent graduate of the University of Northern Colorado where she received her Master of Music in Voice Performance.
Ms. Togawa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from the University of Kentucky. She lives in Alexandria, VA and currently studies voice with Elizabeth Daniels.

 

Clayton G. Williams, baritone, Manhattan School of Music

Spiritual: “Hold Out Your Light” by Lena J. McLin
Art Song: “Life and Death” by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
Art Song by a woman composer: “To Sit and Dream” by Rosephanye Powell
Contemporary Art Song: “The Gift to Sing” by Marques Garrett
Operatic Aria: “Ephraham’s Lament from Voodoo” by Harry Lawrence Freeman

I am Clayton Graves Williams, the youngest child of Clarence and Hendrean Williams, and born in Detroit, MI. I made my way to NY when I attended Manhattan School of Music for my graduate studies, which I completed in 2014. Where I began my professional singing and acting career. I think of myself as a full entertainer. Much like the  versatile Entertainers of the Golden Hollywood era. Upon graduating I’ve been featured in Television such as Law & Order, Blue Bloods, Bull, The Blacklist, Commercial and print campaigns and performed with noted conductors, companies such American Opera Projects, Encompass Opera, The New York Philharmonic, Harlem Opera Theatre and Mile Long Opera. I am also a Lotte Lenya Encouragement Award recipient. You can find more information about my professional work on my website: www.claytongwilliams.com

 

Tiffany Williams, soprano, Indiana University: Jacobs School of Music

Spiritual: “Sometimes I feel” by Evelyn Simpson-Curenton
Art Song: “I Hear His Footsteps Music Sweet” by H.T. Burleigh
Art Song by a woman composer: “Love Let The Wind Cry…How I Adore Thee” by Undine Smith Moore
Contemporary Art Song: “Serenity Prayer” by Jerrell Gray
Operatic Aria: “Scena from Ernestine” by Chevalier de Saint-Georges

Tiffany Williams, Soprano, is a native of Jackson, Mississippi. She received a Master of Music degree in voice performance from Jackson School of Music, where she studied with world renowned mezzo soprano, Marietta Simpson. She received her bachelor’s degree in piano and voice performance from Jackson State University, where she studied with Dr. Phyllis Lewis-Hale and Dr. Karen Laubengayer. Tiffany made her debut with the Indiana University Opera Theatre in Fall 2015 as Sister Rose in Jake Heggie’s ‘Dead Man Walking’. Other Indiana University Opera theatre appearances include, Puccini’s ‘La Boheme’ and Bizet’s ‘Carmen’. She was featured as the soprano soloist in Ralph Vaughan Williams’, ‘Serenade to Music’ with the Jacobs School of Music concert chorale. Other roles include, Bella in Puccini’s ‘Gianni Schicchi, Pamina in Mozart’s ‘Die Zauberflöte’, Manon in Massenet’s ‘Manon’, Gretel in Humperdinck’s ‘Hansel and Gretel’, and Susanna in Mozart’s ‘Le Nozze di Figaro’.

Tiffany placed third in the national George Shirley Competition in May 2021. She received an encouragement award from the Medici International Music Competition in Summer 2021. In 2020, she was named the first-place winner in the Southern Region NATS Young Artist Competition held in Jonesboro, Arkansas. She was a finalist in the National NATS Young Artist competition in New York City, NY. She received an encouragement award in the Memphis Metropolitan Opera Council competition. She was featured as the guest recitalist for the Vesper Concert Series in Nebraska. In 2019, she appeared as the guest soloist alongside Dr. Raymond Wise in ‘A Gospel Experience: Building Community’ in Omaha, Nebraska. In 2018, she received the encouragement award in the South Carolina’s Metropolitan Opera Council competition. From her beautiful, lyrical, and warm voice, to her sincere and expressive delivery of text, Tiffany is gaining national attention as a recitalist across the country.

Verona-India Braich, soprano, Royal Northern College of Music

Spiritual: “Night” by Florence Price
Art Song: “In the Spring Time” by Betty Jackson King

Verona-India is a British classical crossover singer. She is a Soprano and performs operatic arias, choral music to popular & jazz songs. Verona-India currently trains at The Royal Northern College of Music, majoring in Vocal Studies and Opera under the tutorship of Michael Harper. Whilst studying at the RNCM Verona-India has performed with the RNCM chamber choir and most recently the Opera production of ‘Madame Butterfly’ – Puccini with the Hallé Orchestra. Verona-India started her musical journey at the City of Birmingham Orchestra Chorus aged 8, regularly performing at the Symphony Hall in Birmingham. At the age of 10, Verona-India was awarded a scholarship at Lichfield Cathedral serving as a chorister for five years and in her last year was promoted to deputy head chorister, by Choral Director Cathy Lamb. During her time at Lichfield Cathedral she sang in weekly evensongs, Sunday services, annual Christmas candle lit services and opera performances playing the role of Juno in ‘La Bell Hélène’ and Icarus in ‘Orpheus in the Underworld. In 2017, Verona-India joined the Royal Junior Birmingham Conservatoire where she studied voice with Claire Wild alongside the violin, she also plays the piano. She was commended in the ‘Peter Vernon Prize 2018 for her performance of ‘Sweet Chance’ – Michael Head and The Milkado aria ‘ The sun whose rays are all Ablaze’ – Arthur Sullivan. Verona-India was a member of National Youth Choir of Great Britain and was given fantastic opportunities, from ensemble practice and performances to masterclasses from Baritone Roderick Williams. The choir frequently sings at The Royal Albert Hall, London for seasonal festivals and events. Verona-India enjoys introducing young people to music culture. She assisted Lichfield Cathedrals Music Director at the ‘Music Share’ outreach programme helping to inspire young children to gain experience in a wide range of music and Opera. As well as Verona-India’s classical studies, she also performs and participates in other genres. Verona-India was a member of the National Youth Music Theatre in 2018 performing the new musical ‘ A little princess’ at The Other Palace, West End London. Verona-India performs popular and gospel music and has recently found a joy in jazz singing she was delighted to be invited to perform with the Manchester Inspirational

Voices last Christmas, led by Wayne Ellington. Outside of music, Verona-India plays a variety of sports including athletics, fitness training and netball and was formerly a Staffordshire County player and now a captain of the RNCM netball team.

 

 

Tomáš Chloupek, baritone, Janáček Academy of Music and Performing Arts in Brno

Spiritual: “Compensation” by Charles Lloyd
Art Song: “Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal” by Harry T. Burleigh

Mgr. Tomáš Chloupek, DiS. is a student of the doctoral study program “Music Theory and Pedagogy” at the Department of Music Education, Faculty of Education, Masaryk University in Brno. He is also educated as an opera singer at the Janáček Academy of Performing Arts in Brno; teaches singing at the primary art school in Letovice, and performs as an opera singer or as a choir singer in the Czech Philharmonic Choir of Brno.

Lucy Farrimond, soprano, Royal Northern College of Music

Spiritual: “Give Me Jesus” by Hall Johnson
Art Song: “Violin” by Maria Thompson Corley

Lucy Farrimond is a classical Soprano based in Greater Manchester, UK: recently graduated with first class BMus (Hons) in Vocal Studies at the Royal Northern College of Music, under the tutelage of Jane Irwin. Lucy currently studies for a Master of Music degree at the RNCM, continuing with her teacher Jane. Lucy has performed at esteemed venues throughout the UK and abroad, including: The Royal Albert Hall, The Bridgewater Hall, Snape Maltings and The Embassy of the United Kingdom in Paris. At 21, Lucy made her BBC Proms Solo Debut in Haydn’s ‘The Creation’ at The Royal Albert Hall, with the BBC Philharmonic and BBC Proms Youth Choir – conducted by Omer Meir Wellber – live on BBC Radio 3. For this performance, Lucy received a mention in The Guardian.

Jermyn Leong, baritone, Royal Northern College of Music

Spiritual: “For you there is no song” by Leslie Adams
Art Song: “Riding to Town” by Thomas Kerr

I am a Singaporean baritone currently on the MMus program in School of Vocal Studies and Opera at the Royal Northern College of Music, studying with Michael Harper. My vocal training began in 2015, where I sought out a teacher to improve my understanding of voice. Under the tutelage of Reuben Lai, I earned my first vocal scholarship under the COMPASS program in Singapore in 2017 and also achieved full marks on all my examination pieces in my Trinity Grade 8 Classical Singing examinations. My journey in music was done alongside my full-time undergraduate studies in Environmental Earth Systems Science, where I was also awarded the highest scholarship of my course upon entry. With just a few years of private vocal training, I was casted to sing the role of Alcindoro in a Singapore production of Puccini’s La Boheme in 2020. In that same year, I gained entry to the Master’s of Music program at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM).

Since the commencement of my formal education in music, I have participated vigorously with the opportunities at the RNCM. I successfully auditioned for and performed with the RNCM Chamber Choir on multiple occasions. At the end of 2021 in the RNCM, I was casted as a Spirit in the production of Menotti’s The Medium, directed by Stuart Barker. Most recently I sang in a public research forum for the on-going research of Afro-British art songs by Michael Harper. I was also selected to take part in an Opera North residency where I worked with Duncan Williams and Tim Albery under the Leverhulme Trust. Notably, I have sung in more than twenty performance masterclasses for a wide range of musicians including Toby Spence, Florence Daguerre de Hureaux, James Baillieu, Elizabeth Ritchie, Antonia Sotgiu, David Owen Norris, Marcus Farnsworth, Patricia MacMahon, Eiddwen Harrhy, Nataliya Kompaniyets-Jouri, Robin Humphreys, Christopher Purves and Lynne Dawson.

Shanice Skinner, soprano, Royal Conservatoire of The Hague

Spiritual: “The Season of Remembrance” by Jacqueline Hairston
Art Song: “I Know My Mind” by Margaret Bonds

Shanice Skinner is a Canadian soprano from Nova Scotia, Canada. She graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with an Honours Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance in 2017 and an Opera Diploma in 2020, having studied with Lynda Mieske and Leslie Fagan, respectively. Some of Shanice’s recent roles include Zerlina (Don Giovanni, Halifax Summer Opera Festival, 2018) and Rena “Bird” McLean in the world premiere of The Llandovery Castle by Canadian composer Stephanie Martin (Opera Laurier, 2020). Shanice was the Nova Scotia Talent Trust’s 2016 special award winner of the Portia White Award for exceptional commitment and potential in voice. Recent young artist programs include the 2019 Barachois Emerging Artists Program and the 2019 Scotia Festival of Music Young Artists program. In August 2021, Shanice placed second in the Emerging Artists stream for voice at the 2021 FCMF National Music Festival of Canada. Currently, Shanice is completing a Master of Music in Classical Voice at the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague in the Netherlands, studying with Catrin Wyn-Davies.